Atletico eye Casquero raid

By Mark Kendall

Casquero was a member of the Atletico first-team squad in the 1999-00 season, before leaving the club in search of first-team football.

The 27-year-old has been outstanding for Sevilla this term though, and Atletico have now offered é¼3 million (£2 million) as well as an unnamed player in a bid to land the midfielder.

Casquero is under contract with Sevilla until June 2004, but has made no secret of his desire to play for one of Spain's biggest clubs.

However, Sevilla have insisted they will not consider offers for any of their players until the league season comes to end.

As well as Casquero, there is also interest in attacking midfielder Paco Gallardo from Celta Vigo, while front-man Jose Antonio Reyes is much admired by a host of top clubs, including Premiership giants Arsenal.